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Mayors from Ontario’s largest cities challenge parties to work together

August 22, 2013 -

This press release is being sent out on behalf of the Mayor's Office

For Immediate Release

August 22, 2013

Lack of collaboration in provincial legislature preventing important municipal legislation

During the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa, Mayors from Ontario's 26 largest cities, including Mayor Mark Gerretsen, met with leaders of the Government and Opposition to discuss their frustration at the lack of collaboration in the Ontario Legislature.

In their meetings with the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Linda Jeffrey, PC Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, Mayors encouraged them to come together to find common ground and get bills passed that affect municipalities through the legislature.

"This conference was a big eye-opener for me, I really saw how little collaboration there seems to be with the government and opposition," said Mayor Mark Gerretsen. "As Mayor of a Large Urban City, it's discouraging to see the parties not rise above party lines to make it work. Some of the best things in Canadian history happened during minority governments, the creation of health care and the Canadian flag – surely we can get some municipal bills through."

The annual Association of Municipalities (AMO) of Ontario conference brings together municipal leaders and staff from across Ontario. This year more than 1,600 delegates attended the conference held at the Ottawa Convention Centre from August 18-21. During the three days, municipal leaders met with government and opposition members, participated in plenary and keynote sessions and heard the Premier and leaders of the opposition.

"Our cities are facing some big challenges that need to be dealt with, like gridlock, predictable funding for infrastructure projects and soaring emergency services costs that are un-sustainable, said Mayor Hazel McCallion – Chair of the Large Urban Mayor's Caucus of Ontario (LUMCO). "We understand the nature of minority governments, but our message to all the parties was the same - find a way to make it work for Ontarians!"

LUMCO Mayors represent 80% of Ontario's population and advocate with the other levels of government on issues that affect large urban communities in Ontario. The group consists of 26 Mayors who represent cities of 100,000 or more people. Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga is the Chair of LUMCO.